Ring of dirt, need some help please

[Mardigan]

Alright, got a prob here:



I removed my door ding guards from around the car. One door panel was fine, but lo and behold, the other's aren't.



When I removed them, there's this ring of dirt around where the guards used to be. I'm having a hell of a time getting them out, it almost as if they're into the paint now.



Any suggestions on getting them out? Do you think a detailer could get them out?



Thanks!

 

[Accumulator]

I had this happen on a Caprice that I pulled the impact strips off of. I'd try (in this order) clay, a basically-chemical paint cleaner, an abrasive polish. Sometimes it'll still show though, no matter what you do.

 

[Mardigan]

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[kompressornsc]

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

My suggestion would be to listen to Accumulator.

 

[Mardigan]

Well it gets worse, after closer inspection, it looks like:



a) they put the strips on before clear coating the car

or

b) The strips somehow took off a layer of clear coat.



Because I can feel the difference between the paint and clear coat, and it also flakes off a little when I rub my fingernail over it.

 

[imported_themightytimmah]

Your only bet might be to try to blend it with an abrasive polish. I'd leave it to a pro, unless you have a rotary and some experience in the area.

 

[Mardigan]

Yeah, I'm going to take it to a local detailer and see what he thinks...